Thorn Cycles Forum

Community => Thorn General => Topic started by: Slammin Sammy on May 23, 2013, 07:31:57 am

Title: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on May 23, 2013, 07:31:57 am: :D Yippeee!! ;D

It's here. And it came quick. Less than a week after placing my order, it was whisked half way around the world, from Bridgwater Somerset to Newcastle New South Wales.

It is a thing of beauty - surprisingly small but perfectly formed. And the most lovely yellow colour... the pikkies don't do it justice. I have taken photos (starting with the unopened carton ;D), and will track my build over the coming weeks.

I have lots of choices to make, some of which have been decided (black Rohloff and SON 28, Andra 30 CSS front and rear, Marathon Duremes 2.0, B&M Lumotech IQ2 and Topline Brake Plus, n'lock stem), and others are still pending. For instance, I'm leaning towards Tubus for racks (see separate thread in the Luggage forum), and investigating Magura HS33 hydraulic brakes. (I'm not sure I can get pads suitable for CSS yet. Anyone know?). I'm still considering bars (leaning towards the Flat Track with Ergons, but investigating a few cool options).

I'm going to try Topeak DeFender compact "clip-on" mudguards off of my GT-based commuter. They'll make the bike easier to transport.

I'm still working out gearing too.Our first destination on the European holiday will be Cornwall and Lands End, so I want to be able to pull some hills. From now until our departure in late August, I will be training in the foothills of the Hunter Valley, and testing out loading and camping combinations. (NB - It's winter here in Oz, so conditions should replicate a Cornwall summer perfectly, no? :D) So much to do, and so little time! And then there's work...

Stay tuned, friends! I will share every enthralling moment with you all.

Slammin!
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Danneaux on May 23, 2013, 09:12:41 am: Wonderful, wonderful news, Sam; what a thrill to open that box!

Congratulations, and thanks in advance for "taking us along on the ride" as you build and develop the bike. Very much looking forward to it.

Slammin', indeed!

Best,

Dan.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: NZPeterG on May 23, 2013, 10:43:10 am: Hi Have Fun building it up :D

I know how you are feeling ;D as My new Frameset can today too 8)
I have to build up by the morning :-[

Pete.. Time to go back building again :-*
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: jags on May 23, 2013, 04:36:55 pm: well done should be some fun building it up,concider routing the wires for lights inside the frame,love to hear about the headlight on how good it is,if you have a video camera handy it would make for a great how to do it. ;)
anyway enjoy every pedal stroke, super bike.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andre Jute on May 23, 2013, 09:11:37 pm: Congratulations, Sammy and Pete. I wish I had a new yellow Nomad to play with...

I have Magura HS 11, the older version, in which the 11 was less strong than the 33, deliberately chosen because I'm a distracted cyclist, often talking, and the 11 is a very forgiving, progressive brake. What you have to keep in mind is that these Magura's are hydraulic disc brakes, using the huge rim as the the disc, so making them more forgiving yet quite as effective as a Shimano Rollerbrake or a Magura Louise centre-disc brake is quite a feat. Modern HS 11 and HS 33 have exactly the same internal components and pressure; they differ merely in the material of the handles, plus the HS 11 has removable trims so you can colour-match the HS 11 to your bike. Magura rim hydraulics are, to my mind, the best brakes for everyone except the mud pluggers. They're totally service free.

Magure has a dedicated compound for the CSS. I can't now remember whether it was on this forum or elsewhere, but someone said he prefers the standard Magura brake block compound with the CSS. First try the standard compound you get free with the brake kit; maybe you like them. The brake blocks last virtually forever, so you don't want to be ordering brake blocks you won't be using.

I have the n'lock security system too. The n'lock by itself makes the bike unrideable, which deters impulse thefts. The optional handlebar with the cable allows you to lock the bike to a pole or a rail. The optional long cable allows you to lock the rear wheel to the steering and the whole to a post. All three units are sold in a most attractively priced kit directly by Franklin Niedrich on the n'lock Swiss site. i no longer carry my Abus Granit 54X u-lock.

Andre Jute
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: in4 on May 23, 2013, 09:43:35 pm: I noticed that the Nlock owners are retiring and thus the company is for sale.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on May 24, 2013, 12:30:28 am: Quote from: Hobbes on May 23, 2013, 09:11:37 pm
Congratulations, Sammy and Pete. I wish I had a new yellow Nomad to play with...

Thanks Andre! By the sounds of it, Peter would have built his overnight! It's the Big Dummy, isn't it Pete?

Quote from: Hobbes on May 23, 2013, 09:11:37 pm
Magure has a dedicated compound for the CSS. I can't now remember whether it was on this forum or elsewhere, but someone said he prefers the standard Magura brake block compound with the CSS. First try the standard compound you get free with the brake kit; maybe you like them. The brake blocks last virtually forever, so you don't want to be ordering brake blocks you won't be using.

Yes, Kool-Stop make an R formulation for the Maguras, but I have been having a hard time finding them online. If needed, I will get my LBS to chase them up, but I had already come to the same conclusion you suggest. I'm going to be getting free blocks with the brakes, so why not check the wear rate before swapping them out? Also, I'm quite prepared to swap blocks more frequently if it means better grip in the wet.

Quote from: Hobbes on May 23, 2013, 09:11:37 pm
I have the n'lock security system too. The n'lock by itself makes the bike unrideable, which deters impulse thefts. The optional handlebar with the cable allows you to lock the bike to a pole or a rail. The optional long cable allows you to lock the rear wheel to the steering and the whole to a post. All three units are sold in a most attractively priced kit directly by Franklin Niedrich on the n'lock Swiss site.

Yes, I've been in touch with Franklin, who has directed me to their Taiwanese distributor for sales to Australia. But they are nothing short of hopeless at fulfillment. It has taken me the better part of a week of emails to FINALLY get a quote from them on a kit + long cable, and then it was in Swiss francs to be direct-deposited into their bank account, which is a royal pita! (I saw the "For Sale" notice on the n'lock web site, in4, but I guess Franklin hasn't yet found a buyer.) Still, the system seems impressive, and if Andre is happy with the fit and finish, it's good enough for me! ;) I'll be off to the bank at lunchtime.

Cheers,
Sam
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andre Jute on May 24, 2013, 12:48:25 am: Quote from: Slammin Sammy on May 24, 2013, 12:30:28 am
Still, the [n'lock] system seems impressive, and if Andre is happy with the fit and finish, it's good enough for me! ;) I'll be off to the bank at lunchtime.

We have more n'lock owners here, Julian for one. It's amazing how many ultra-niche components you can find expertise on by just applying at the Thorn Rohloff Forum.

Andre Jute
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: NZPeterG on May 24, 2013, 09:26:44 am: Quote from: Slammin Sammy on May 24, 2013, 12:30:28 am
Thanks Andre! By the sounds of it, Peter would have built his overnight! It's the Big Dummy, isn't it Pete?

Cheers,
Sam

Hi Sam
Yes I'm a the dummy who build up my bike over night (and this morning) I have one finished Big Dummy :P
1st Market day in the morning ?

Pete ;)
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on May 24, 2013, 03:22:43 pm: Quote from: NZPeterG on May 24, 2013, 09:26:44 am
Hi Sam
Yes I'm a the dummy who build up my bike over night (and this morning) I have one finished Big Dummy :P
1st Market day in the morning ?

Pete ;)

That's so cool! AAMOF, it'd be getting a bit chilly in the shed over your way this time of year, wouldn't it, Pete? Especially overnight in the manger while a new Dummy was born! ;D Better get your snow studs on her!

Here's an idea I got from one of my old Ulysses motorbike mates. He built a bar into his right pannier, complete with bottle racks, glass holders, shakers and a small ice bucket. You'd pull up alongside him at a rally, and down the lid would come, forming a countertop for pouring a round. The Dummy'd be ideal for that, wouldn't it, Peter? :D

BTW, I have two major components left to order - the BB, and the crank. I can't seem to find a good combination, prefferably black, that isn't out-of-stock, or the wrong size. Ideas, anyone?

Regards,
Sam
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andre Jute on May 24, 2013, 06:32:53 pm: Quote from: Slammin Sammy on May 24, 2013, 03:22:43 pm
BTW, I have two major components left to order - the BB, and the crank. I can't seem to find a good combination, prefferably black, that isn't out-of-stock, or the wrong size. Ideas, anyone?

If you don't have a dealer who stocks Sugino cranks nearby, these guys do Stronglight and are reliable mailorder merchants: http://www.xxcycle.com/single-crankset,en.php Stronglight's Impact range is rebranded Sugino (Alpina II style, IIRC), and has a 110 bolt spacing; JIS square taper. They seem to be mostly out of black though. Spa Cycles had, the last time I looked, the same cranks in a lesser stage of polish and without a brand name for a third of the price, but the carriage killed the attraction for me.

By ordering on this page http://www.xxcycle.com/impact-double,,en.php I received a beautiful boutique Sugino Cospea crankset from XXcycles, labelled Stronglight. (I bought a road double and removed the chainrings in favour of a single Surly Stainless 38x110.) If this interests you, write to them to discover what's in the box, because the illustration isn't of the Cospea...

Some of the Stronglight Impact cranks come with guards but you can throw those off too if you want to fit a Hebie Chainglider; there's a Chainglider thread on the forum somewhere, and discussions of less impressive chaincases too. I recommend Chainglider for all uses.

In bottom brackets I like the Kinex from Czechoslovakia, which lasts forever and is cheap, but the carriage normally kills the price. So instead I use a Shimano UN55; it's cheap and good and carriage-free from CRC http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=71369. You need the 118mm axle and a 1mm spacer (buy three to have spares in case you measure differently) to get a perfect Rohloff chainline.

Of course, you can't go wrong with the standard fat Shimano Deore M590 crankset, available in black, and brilliantly priced, sold everywhere; just throw off the rings and fit something good. The M590 may be common but it suits a tough touring bike, I think.

Andre Jute
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Danneaux on May 24, 2013, 07:46:12 pm: Extremely pleased with my own Shimano Deore M590 on the Nomad, but don't expect the bearings to last long, so I've got a Phil Wood external bearing BB laid-in and ready to mount as soon as the original Shimano shows signs of incipient failure. Meantime, why not get the full life out of the Shimano unit? It has surprised me so far, so perhaps Shimano made some incremental improvement in sealing or added a few balls to the races -- really, the only weak point in the design.

I truly love the crank and design...it has only been let down occasionally in the past by poor bearing design and execution. Failure has been uneven; some seemed to have failed right away, while others churned on and on without incident. It may have much to do with local conditions.

The traditional "Plus One" to second Andre's vote for a better/more appropriate chainring for Rohloff use. I found Thorn's original purpose-built alloy chainring to be excellent, and so too is the Surly stainless version I fitted when revising my gearing. I don't think you'd go wrng with either.

Best,

Dan.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: geocycle on May 24, 2013, 08:14:02 pm: Great project and really sure you'll finish with a fantastic bike. What was your main motivation going for a frame and forks rather than a complete bike built to your spec! I'm not criticising just interested as I may go that way for my next thorn...
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on May 24, 2013, 08:43:52 pm: Quote from: geocycle on May 24, 2013, 08:14:02 pm
Great project and really sure you'll finish with a fantastic bike. What was your main motivation going for a frame and forks rather than a complete bike built to your spec! I'm not criticising just interested as I may go that way for my next thorn...

My motivation was simply to build my own bike! Including the wheels. I've been reading and dreaming about Thorns and other Rohloff bikes for several years. I started a new job and got extremely busy, so decided I needed a "project" in the shed to distract me from work. My wife thinks I'm a nutcase - I sit on the boards of three non-profits as well. But I need to create something with my hands. ::)

Life's just like a bike. You've got to keep moving or you fall over ;D.

Slammin!
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on May 24, 2013, 08:59:07 pm: Quote from: jags on May 23, 2013, 04:36:55 pm
well done should be some fun building it up,concider routing the wires for lights inside the frame,love to hear about the headlight on how good it is,if you have a video camera handy it would make for a great how to do it. ;)
anyway enjoy every pedal stroke, super bike.

I missed this post earlier, jags.

Not sure how I'd wire the lights internally (or why I'd want to). The headlight will be mounted on the crown, and has a very short wiring run. I will mount the taillight on the rack, and wire it up with some Schmidt coaxial cable running underneath the top tube with the brake line (I guess... I haven't really gotten that far in my thinking.) But I won't be taking a drill to the frame, you can be sure of that! :)

You're idea of filming the headlight ops for the assembled Thornoids is a brilliant one. (Is there a pun in there? ???) So shall I do. My GoPro is at the service of the realm!

Sam (Lighting the way, as it were. Apparently... ???)
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Donnydid on May 24, 2013, 10:07:30 pm: I am looking at fitting the n'lock system to my Nomad MK2 but I am a little
confused to which n'lock I should buy.
Looking at the n'lock website, the graph shows for handlebars of 22.2mm
as a quill fitting, and according to the Thorn brochure the Straight Bar which
I have is also 22.2mm but its an Ahead fitting....can this be used on the Nomad?
Not sure if I am missing something here!

If you have an n'lock system fitted on a Nomad which n'lock are you using?

Looking forward to receiving your replys, thank you!

Cheers
Dave
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: jags on May 24, 2013, 10:48:06 pm: ;) ;)
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on May 24, 2013, 10:58:39 pm: Hi Dave,

The n'lock website is quite confusing. If you go to the "Buy It Online" link on the right hand side, you get a different page than the "Buy It" link on the left!

I am getting the Model 403-462-308 set, which is an Ahead stem, adjustable, for standard handlebars, PLUS the handlebar/cable PLUS a model 308 quill adaptor, which in my case is surplus to requirements. I might not use the handlebar either (if it doesn't suit ergonomically, and/or if the Ergon grips get in the way), so I've ordered the Model 102.451.000 1.5m cable, which I will carry with me. Andre's right - buying the set is the value proposition if you really want to assess the options.

Hope this helps.
Sam
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andre Jute on May 25, 2013, 04:51:44 am: URGENT!

Slammin, you may want to check in a hurry what it is that you ordered. The 22.2 and 25.4 refer to steer tube internal diameters, not to handlebar sizes. If you would normally fit a 1-1/8in headset and stem, you need the 25.4 n'lock. Not the 22.2, which is for 1in setups. (If a Nomad has an-fashioned 1in OD steerer tube, nobody told me, and I apologize for the nuisance. But I suspect that Andy Blance will be issuing invitations to stilettos at dawn to anyone who believes he would design a boss touring bike with a 1in steerer.)

This is copied straight off my invoice from Franklin: "1 x Set for city bikes, 25.4 99.84EUR" That's 403-462-309, not 308.

Andre Jute
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andre Jute on May 25, 2013, 05:09:34 am: Quote from: Slammin Sammy on May 24, 2013, 10:58:39 pm
I might not use the handlebar either (if it doesn't suit ergonomically, and/or if the Ergon grips get in the way), so I've ordered the Model 102.451.000 1.5m cable, which I will carry with me. Andre's right - buying the set is the value proposition if you really want to assess the options.

The handlebar is standard Kalloy Uno North Road, as sold by SJS and fitted OEM by just about every European maker of mid and upper range city bikes; the only trick thing about it is the cable inside. However, it isn't the best Kalloy for Rohloff, because it has shorter grip lengths than the Kalloy/Uno I replaced. It does well, though. Very nice for an ali handlebar; I just happen to like steel.

You may still be happy for the quill, because it offers you the opportunity to raise your handlebars regardless of the length of steerer tube. I use mine to gain an extra 60mm in height, an amazing feat, and that is not the end of its adjustment by far. The n'lock is really intended for OEM fitting, so it comes without any instructions whatsoever. I don't mean to give offense by patronizing someone who may know more than I do, but this is face-plant, cracked skull territory, so, before you fit the quill, consult here. I've done it, and it works, but you have to understand that you're mixing different technologies and lock one off before you apply the second one.

You anyway need the long cable even if you keep the handlebar with the cable inside. While just turning the lock effectively immobilizes the bike because it becomes extremely awkward to push, and the short cable ties it to any convenient pole or railing, the long cable is required to secure the rear wheel and the expensive gearbox. I hardly ever use mine, in fact I use the short handlebar cable about twice a year, but I live in a low crime area. If you're going to leave the bike exposed for any length of time, you also need an Abus Granit 54X U-lock (or better, but the thing already weighs 1.5kg...).

Andre Jute
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andre Jute on May 25, 2013, 05:14:26 am: You need the 25.4mm kit, Donny. The diameter is the inside diameter of the steerer tube, not the outside diameter of your handlebars. All those kits are for 22.2mm OD handlebars unless specifically stated otherwise. Probably be smart to wait a day or two until Sam sorts himself before you order, just in case there is something about the Nomad I don't know about.

Andre Jute

Quote from: Donnydid on May 24, 2013, 10:07:30 pm
I am looking at fitting the n'lock system to my Nomad MK2 but I am a little
confused to which n'lock I should buy.
Looking at the n'lock website, the graph shows for handlebars of 22.2mm
as a quill fitting, and according to the Thorn brochure the Straight Bar which
I have is also 22.2mm but its an Ahead fitting....can this be used on the Nomad?
Not sure if I am missing something here!

If you have an n'lock system fitted on a Nomad which n'lock are you using?

Looking forward to receiving your replys, thank you!

Cheers
Dave
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Donnydid on May 25, 2013, 01:24:07 pm: Hi Ya!

Thanks for the info guys, the n'lock website is certainly confusing for us guys without
the experience of many of the members on here.
It sounds a good idea to hang fire and see how Sam gets on with the n'lock he has
ordered.

Many Thanks
Dave
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on May 25, 2013, 06:07:37 pm: Quote from: Hobbes on May 25, 2013, 04:51:44 am
URGENT!

Slammin, you may want to check in a hurry what it is that you ordered. The 22.2 and 25.4 refer to steer tube internal diameters, not to handlebar sizes. [b ]If you would normally fit a 1-1/8in headset and stem, you need the 25.4 n'lock.[/b] Not the 22.2, which is for 1in setups. (If a Nomad has an-fashioned 1in OD steerer tube, nobody told me, and I apologize for the nuisance. But I suspect that Andy Blance will be issuing invitations to stilettos at dawn to anyone who believes he would design a boss touring bike with a 1in steerer.)

This is copied straight off my invoice from Franklin: "1 x Set for city bikes, 25.4 99.84EUR" That's 403-462-309, not 308.

Andre Jute

Thanks so much Andre! Spot on. The 403 for Aheadset is the correct model number for the n'lock itself, but the 308 designation is for the quill adaptor, which you rightly point out should be 309 for the larger ID of the steerer. Well spotted!

However, there is a method to my madness. Given the price, the quill adaptor is almost a gift. I'm not anticipating needing to use it on the Nomad. My steerer is as yet uncut, and I will finalise the height before installing the n'lock (which, btw, is adjustable as well).

Instead, as I am the proud owner of a gorgeous 1994 model Trek 520 with quill stems, I will keep the QA for future use as a potential upgrade. :)

I have ordered and paid for the kit, but it has not yet been shipped. Just to be sure though, I have put a hold on it until I re-check measurements and re-think my options, so nothing is lost. But I salute you Andre, for your attention to detail and your knowledge, from which I have gleaned many useful tips. If our paths ever cross, I would be pleased to buy you a beverage of your choice! ;D

David, there is a useful flow chart for determining your correct n'lock here: http://www.nlock.ch/d2w/dispimagewin.asp?IdDocument=244&IdMaster=165

A data sheet with measurements: http://www.nlock.ch/default_en.asp/2-0-94-6-6-1/

Sam
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Donnydid on May 25, 2013, 07:17:50 pm: Hi Sam

Thanks for the info regarding the flow chart and data sheet, I had checked out the flow chart
and that was what had confused me with it saying "what is the diametre of the handlebar".
The data sheet is spot on for what I want, many thanks.

Good luck with building your Nomad, it sounds a fantastic project to be doing, maybe one
day when I am more experienced I shall undertake a build too.
As others have said it would be great to see some photo's of your build.

Cheers
Dave
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andre Jute on May 25, 2013, 10:43:30 pm: I'll remember who's paying when we meet for a round, Sam!

The steerer on my bike is uncut too, but I had to take a fixed n'lock because the only adjustable one available was white. But even on top of an uncut steerer, I needed something more to make up for the height lost by going from an adjustable stem to a fixed one, and from bars with the right rise to bars with a few millimeters less, and then I grabbed some more to adjust for the stiffer back that comes with advancing age, and all in all, I ended up with the stem a good 60mm above where it was mounted previously, limited more by cable lengths than by the quill, which still has plenty of adjustment left.

You of course know your own requirements best. But what happens when people get a Rohloff is that it becomes their all-purpose bike and their other bikes get neglected. (I haven't ridden another bike for three years; my other bikes are now in the loft, three floors up and I'm thinking of getting rid of them). If I were you, I'd get the quill the right size for the Rohloff bike and leave myself a good bit extra on the cables, give them an elegant fat curve, because another Rohloff effect is that the gearchange ease makes people want to sit more upright because cycling requires less effort, so that the bars creep up quite a bit more than you would expect, especially if your background is as a derailleur roadie. You can always buy another quill adapter locally and relatively cheaply; I like the one made by BBB, but Kalloy types, including a crude but safe one with a built-on toollessly adjustable stem (1), are avialble on Ebay.

Andre Jute
(1) I have a workalike, more elegantly designed and built by Royal Dutch Gazelle, that came as standard equipment on my Toulouse. http://coolmainpress.com/BICYCLING.html I set my ton-up (truck-assisted) speed on an upright Dutch City bike on 38mm Marathon Plus, which chez Jute is a narrow tyre, by not even flipping my North Road Bars upside down, but simply dropping the adjustable stem to an acute angle with the steerer, and rotating the handlebars until the grips pointed almost straight at the ground, which, with some saddle height adjustment, brought my back down to perfectly horizontal for aerodynamic gain.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on June 04, 2013, 01:03:03 pm: Greetings, Thorn-boys and girls! Time for a Nomad-ic update:

1) n'lock arrived yesterday. It is one well made piece of kit! But Andre, I find it hard to believe it saved you weight on your previous stem. It feels heavy-ish. I'll weigh it when I get a chance, but it will absolutely do the trick. And the included bars (Kalloy Uno AL-78, I think - un-branded) are actually quite nice! They're very similar to the Thorn Comfort Bars, slightly lighter in weight and with only 45mm of rise instead of 60mm. I am quite prepared to use these, so I've saved myself the cost of the Thorns already! I purchased the n'lock trekking set, but got them to swap the 401 stem for the 403 (adjustable, with cable lock), and I bought a 150mm cable, which is also very well made. (The cable built into the bars is quite short, and will probably wind up behind Ergon GP3s.)

2) I bought a cheap stem so that I can determine steerer tube length, as the n'lock caps the steerer, which cannot protrude above it. I want to experiment with the handlebar heights and stem angles, and don't want to cut the steerer until I'm good and ready to finalise the setup.

3) I've ordered the Schwalbe 26x2.0 Duremes, as I've had great use out of them on my commuter. I umm-ed and ahh-ed about getting Supremes (I use these on my Trek 520 tourer), but in the end, decided the Duremes will be superior in the wet. (I hear it sometimes rains in Cornwall... ;))

4) I've pretty well got everything I need to start the build, but the hubs haven't yet arrived! (I have recurring nightmares of this going on for weeks, and having to take a different bike to Europe with me, while my wife gets to pick up a new Raven in Bridgwater. Aargh!!! :().

With any luck, I'll be building wheels this weekend!! ;D

Sam
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andre Jute on June 04, 2013, 07:34:31 pm: Quote from: Slammin Sammy on June 04, 2013, 01:03:03 pm
1) n'lock arrived yesterday. It is one well made piece of kit! But Andre, I find it hard to believe it saved you weight on your previous stem. It feels heavy-ish. I'll weigh it when I get a chance, but it will absolutely do the trick.

My previous stem was Humpert's best adjustable stem, built like a tank survive at least a world war and probably a planet-destruction as well. Humpert thinks a weight weenie is a small American frankfurter.

Quote from: Slammin Sammy on June 04, 2013, 01:03:03 pm
I bought a cheap stem so that I can determine steerer tube length, as the n'lock caps the steerer, which cannot protrude above it. I want to experiment with the handlebar heights and stem angles, and don't want to cut the steerer until I'm good and ready to finalise the setup.

Smart thinking. Still, if you make a mistake, or if the complete uncut steerer still isn't tall enough, you can use the quill in the kit to regain or gain some any reasonable amount of height. (The process is to preset the headset bearing preset and lock in the steerer tube with a locking -- a seatpost clamp is good -- on top of spacers, then to insert the quill, and to attach the n'lock to the quill as if the top end of the quill is the steerer tube. That's the setup on my Kranich.)

I hope your hubs arrive in time.

Andre Jute
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on June 11, 2013, 04:13:31 pm: Quote
I hope your hubs arrive in time.

Well, one week on, and still no hubs. Or cranks, or brakes. :'( There's a hole in the carpet where I've been pacing...
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andybg on June 11, 2013, 04:39:02 pm: its the most tense of times waiting for bikes/bike parts to arrive. All the promise of things to come.

I bet the frame is well polished though and ready to go?

Andy
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on June 13, 2013, 01:03:36 pm: Friends, Thornites and Countrymen!

It is with the greatest of pleasure and anticipation that I announce (finally) the arrival of sufficient parts to commence the build of...
Attila - the yellow Nomad!!!

I hope to cross the Danube many more times than his namesake (but with slightly fewer mouths to feed ;D).

I will be a busy boy this weekend, but... just to give you a tease...

A thing of rare beauty... :P

Sam
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: jags on June 13, 2013, 03:18:39 pm: Class ACT ;)
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Danneaux on June 13, 2013, 04:42:35 pm: Yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay, Sam! Congratulations!

Welcome to the Thorn Fold, Attila!

(things should become very exciting here shortly as Attila comes together)

Best,

Dan.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: John Saxby on June 13, 2013, 07:11:41 pm: Hey, Sam, Attila's a honey!!

J.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andre Jute on June 13, 2013, 10:17:46 pm: Quote from: Slammin Sammy on June 13, 2013, 01:03:36 pm
Attila - the yellow Nomad!!!

Welcome Attila! That's a very pretty color. Safe too.

Andre Jute
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Danneaux on June 13, 2013, 10:50:40 pm: Hi Sam!

Just have to ask...

How are you pronouncing "Attila"?

In my Classic Western 'Merkin accent, I've always pronounced it uh-TILL-uh.

A friend says AT-illuh.

Another insists it is At-illah. He swears the friend above is "wrong", that the subtle difference in ending "makes a difference".

Pronounce Names says it is AWTEE-law: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0HdfhNUNTc

I'm guessing they're all right and it depends on one's native language and regional dialect.

All the best,

Dan. (...who wants to get it right so he won't offend uh, Attila)
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Andre Jute on June 14, 2013, 05:58:05 pm: Quote from: Danneaux on June 13, 2013, 10:50:40 pm
Pronounce Names says it is AWTEE-law: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0HdfhNUNTc

Do they really? And they call themselves "Pronounce Names"? Duh.

Andre Jute
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on June 14, 2013, 09:53:34 pm: Quote from: Danneaux on June 13, 2013, 10:50:40 pm
Hi Sam!

Just have to ask...

How are you pronouncing "Attila"?

In my Classic Western 'Merkin accent, I've always pronounced it uh-TILL-uh.

A friend says AT-illuh.

Another insists it is At-illah. He swears the friend above is "wrong", that the subtle difference in ending "makes a difference".

Pronounce Names says it is AWTEE-law: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0HdfhNUNTc

You know, Dan... I haven't thought about it much, being a classic merkin myself. I suppose it would have mattered to the great warrior though, so I should try to get it right. ???

I have a plan - I will poll the locals along the Danube in September. After all, many of them would his direct descendants! :)
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Danneaux on June 14, 2013, 10:39:23 pm: Quote
I will poll the locals along the Danube in September. After all, many of them would his direct descendants!
Superb plan, Sam; the very best kind of Field Research!

But, really, it won't matter 'cos your Atilla -- like the Hunnic warrior himself -- will roll over and through most obstacles, nearly unstoppable! ;D

Atilla was unable to take Constantinople about 1000 years before the Ottoman conquest. Just be a little cautious if you find yourself around Istanbul, Turkey, modern site of that old city. Otherwise, you'll be fine!

All the best,

Dan. (... who thinks Sam's Atilla is a winning machine no matter how you say it).
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: John Saxby on June 22, 2013, 04:03:20 am: Never knew it could all be so complicated... But at least we know Attila won't be rudderless!

J.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on June 22, 2013, 08:00:15 pm: Atilla the Nomad Update:

After waiting some time for parts to arrive, my build has begun. The front wheel with SON 28 is built, awaiting Schwalbe Dureme 26x2.0. Rear wheel with Rohloff will be laced tomorrow.

I inexplicably forgot to order crank bolts when ordering the Middleburn RS7 crankset ::), so there will be a slight delay in completing the drive train. >:(

For some reason, Starbike.com took three weeks to tell me they were unable to source the Magura HS33s In black. I found them elsewhere, and they should arrive this week. With luck then, Atilla will stand on his own two feet next weekend, ready for racks, mudguards and accessories! Photos to follow.

Slammin!
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Danneaux on June 22, 2013, 08:05:22 pm: Quote
With luck then, Atilla will stand on his own two feet next weekend
Wonderful news, Sam; thanks for the update.
Quote
Photos to follow.
<rubs hands in anticipation of piccies> 'Won't be long now!

Best,

Dan.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: John Saxby on June 23, 2013, 01:25:54 am: Good luck, Sam, with your big project, and enjoy! Be very pleased to hear of your wife's impressions of her Raven Tour as your European journey unfolds-- I'll be buying one myself this coming (Northern) autumn, to be assembled here in Canada in Jan/Feb 2014.

J.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: jags on June 23, 2013, 11:26:14 am: pack rain gear . :-[
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on June 23, 2013, 06:14:17 pm: Quote from: jags on June 23, 2013, 11:26:14 am
pack rain gear . :-[

Scuba gear, methinks. That's yet ANOTHER thing to add to the packing list! ;D
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: jags on June 23, 2013, 06:37:31 pm: ;D ;D not a bad idea, here in ireland at the moment its lovely still windy but next week is to brighten up again.So are you just doing the UK or are you gonna take in a bit more .
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on June 29, 2013, 07:25:42 pm: Quote from: jags on June 23, 2013, 06:37:31 pm
;D ;D not a bad idea, here in ireland at the moment its lovely still windy but next week is to brighten up again.So are you just doing the UK or are you gonna take in a bit more .

Just Somerset, Devon and Cornwall on this occasion jags, and then off to the blue Danube. But a work buddy is moving back to Galway at the end of the year, so another jaunt around the Emerald Isle is almost certainly in the offing. Love the place.

My last visit must have set some record - one whole week of brilliant sunshine, except for one massive cloudburst while we were inside having a marvelous seafood lunch in Kinsale. By the time we left, the sun was out again! 8)
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Slammin Sammy on June 29, 2013, 07:47:37 pm: Greetings Thornlings!

Sigh...

It's been raining for days, and I'm forlornly staring at my part-built Nomad pondering one of life's great questions... WHY DOES EVERY BLOODY THING TAKE SO F@$!*%#ING LONG TO GET HERE FROM THE REST OF THE UNIVERSE!?

I have two built wheels (my first attempts, and they came out great!), but only one tyre. I have a crankset, but no crank bolts. And I have no brakes. All of these things were ordered weeks ago, and with exception of SJS (who will not take an order unless the item is in stock, but then ship using real aircraft), every other supplier either can't supply (after 10 days - "Sorry, that item/colour/size is not in stock/no longer available, etc.") or sends it via Donkey Express and Paddle Steamers, Inc.

Hard to believe, but I had real problems locating a second Marathon Dureme. The crank bolts were my oversight. The Magura brakes are the stuff of legend (all-black HS33s - what could be hard??)

Never mind. I have been putting the time to good use memorizing the Rohloff manual (in English, German and four other languages ;D) and aclimatising to a soggy European holiday.

Sigh...
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: Danneaux on June 29, 2013, 08:29:32 pm: Quote
WHY DOES EVERY BLOODY THING TAKE SO...LONG TO GET HERE FROM THE REST OF THE UNIVERSE!?
Aw, Sammy, I feel for and with you, I really do. It is almost more frustrating to be 80-90% of the way along and have such delays than it is to have trouble at the start.

Man!

Well, good on you for your wheelbuilding, and the Rohloff manual is being committed to memory, so that's no loss either.

Just wondering...in the interest of expediency, could you perhaps substitute inexpensive parts for those needed items and then replace them once you're on British and European soil? You wouldn't be going too far/heavy at first, perhaps, and this approach would get you going if worse comes to worst. A tire swap and even some cable-operated v-brakes might get you on the road.

In terms of brotherly empathy, I can't get needed parts locally, either, and I'm Stateside! For example, I wanted to pick up a couple extra Schwalbe SV13 presta-valve, 26x2.0 tubes to take with me on-tour. A seemingly simple quest, but...no. BikeTiresDirect.com up in Portland is out with no idea when they'll be restocked. I called the high-end commuter shop in town, the one that carries SmartWool and Brooks and B&M Cyos and Schwalbe tires to ask, and the conversation went downhill from "Hello". The clerk corrected me roughly, telling me if I knew anything, I'd also know the name was pronounced "Schwobble". Then, after three more go-'rounds, he told me there was no such thing as an SV13 tire. When I told him again I wanted a tube, he hung up. Guy at Shop #2 was okay with my asking for "Schwalbe", but said they were a tire company and if I knew anything (again!) about bikes, I'd know they didn't make tubes. This time, I hung up and placed an online order with CycloCamping.com; the tubes will be here Wednesday. The heck with the locals, I need my tubes. By the way, the locals carried Schraeder-valve tubes for 26x2.5, but nothing in presta that would really work with my Rigida Andras and 2.0 Duremes. Sigh.

I've tried to support the local shops, but I find -- to put it kindly -- they cater to a different consumer demographic. SJS Cycles is my usual "local" shop of choice. Comparable or better prices, no hassle in that they know what they do and do not have, and the shipping times are reasonably short unless I am really pressed for time, as at present.

So, I have an inkling how y'feel, Sammy. 'Sure hope things come together for you soon, and you can quickly be winging your way along that beautiful shoreline on your lovely new yellow Nomad taking some shakedown rides before heading overseas. Take heart: this too shall pass.

All the best,

Dan.
Title: Re: MY NEW NOMAD MK2 FRAME HAS ARRIVED!!!
Post by: jags on June 29, 2013, 09:21:32 pm: huh i left my rear wheel in the local bike shop over 2 weeks ago for a new hub i rang this morning to see what the craic was the usual story have it Monday morning for you anto.
i'm gonna dig out the lie rs silver cup for him he's a clear winner. ::)ii